Transmission Fluid

Don’t Forget About Your Transmission Fluid

Oil changes are a type of maintenance that every car owner is familiar with. However, engine oil is not the only fluid that needs to be changed to keep your car running smoothly. Fresh transmission fluid is critical to keeping your car shifting smoothly and should always be changed on schedule. Many vehicles do not call for a transmission fluid change until 100,000 miles or even longer, but that does not mean this maintenance item can be safely neglected. If you have a vehicle that you use for towing or off-roading, the recommended transmission fluid change interval will likely be much shorter, given the added stress on the transmission.

In a traditional automatic transmission, fresh transmission fluid is incredibly vital. Not only do automatic transmissions rely on the fluid to lubricate and protect the complex planetary gearing, but the fluid is also needed to provide the hydraulic pressure that operates the torque converter. As the transmission fluid ages and is subjected to constant heat cycles, it will begin to break down and lose its properties. If it is not replaced on schedule, you will begin to experience rough shifts. Wait long enough, and the transmission will begin to damage itself from lack of lubrication.

With a CVT, dual-clutch, or manual transmission, there is no torque converter. However, that does not mean that transmission fluid replacement is any less vital. All three of these transmission types rely on fresh transmission fluid to lubricate the gears and shifting mechanism, and not replacing the transmission fluid regularly will result in many of the same symptoms and problems as in a traditional automatic transmission. However, each transmission type requires its own specially formulated transmission fluid and will have its own transmission fluid change schedule.

If you are unsure when you should get your transmission fluid changed, simply check in with the team here at Faricy Chrysler Jeep. We are familiar with every type of transmission out there and will get you the information that you need. When it does come time for a transmission fluid change, we will flush the old fluid out and replace it with fresh high-quality transmission fluid designed to maximize the life of your vehicle.